Number 06 │ A Leverage Fanfiction

Chapter 1 | The Nigerian Job

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I wiped my sweat, the intense morning training making my barely healing wounds and muscles ache. It was morning chow time. Fifteen sat beside me, his cheerful smile shining in the room, a stark contrast to the dead expressions we all wore.

"Happy Birthday!" he exclaimed, his voice cutting through the dull murmur of the mess hall. "You're officially 13!"

I blinked at him in surprise. "How did you know it was my birthday?"

Fifteen grinned, his eyes twinkling with mischief. "Oh, psht, I took a peek at your chart when we got sent to the infirmary last week."

I couldn't help but smile, a rare and unfamiliar sensation. "Thanks, Fifteen."

Despite the harsh reality of our lives, Fifteen always found a way to bring a bit of light into the darkness. His optimism was infectious, even if it felt out of place here. I glanced around, noticing a few of the others looking our way, curiosity piqued by our exchange.

"Here," Fifteen said, sliding something across the table. It was a small piece of bread, a luxury in this place. "I saved it from last night."

I stared at the bread, a lump forming in my throat. In this world, such gestures meant more than words could express. "Thanks," I said again, my voice barely a whisper.

As we ate, Fifteen chattered on about nothing and everything, his voice a welcome distraction from the pain and fear that usually consumed my thoughts. For a moment, I almost felt normal, like a regular kid sharing a meal with a friend.

But the reality of our situation was never far away. Our handler entered the mess hall, his eyes scanning the room. He paused when he saw Fifteen and i, his gaze lingering for a moment before moving on. I tensed, waiting for a reprimand, but none came. He turned and left as silently as he had entered.

"Don't worry about him," Fifteen said, noticing my anxiety. "We'll get out of here one day. Together."

I gave him a small smile, appreciating his unwavering optimism. He was one of the only ones who still managed to keep his smile despite everything.

"Time's up!" our handler barked, his voice slicing through the moment like a knife.

I stuffed the rest of the bread into my mouth, chewing quickly as we all filed out of the room. I really hope so, Fifteen, I thought, if we even survive this day, that is.

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My eyes blurred, tears streaming down my face as I held Fifteen's bleeding body in my arms. The chaos of the room faded into the background, replaced by the unbearable reality of the moment.

"No! No no no no please, no!" I choked out, my voice trembling with desperation.

Fifteen's eyes fluttered open, his usually bright smile now weak and pained. "Hey... don't cry..." he managed to get out, each word a struggle.

I clutched him tighter, my heart breaking. "Please, stay with me. We're going to get out of here together, remember?"

Fifteen's hand found mine, his grip weak but reassuring. "Promise me you'll get out of here for me?" His voice was barely a whisper, but the determination in his eyes was unmistakable.

I shook my head, tears falling onto his pale face. "I can't do this without you."

"You have to," he insisted, his gaze locking onto mine with an intensity that belied his fragile state. "Promise me."